Now that fall is upon us and cooler temps have arrived, you might be thinking less about what your grass needs and more about the fact that the mowing season is over. However, your yard needs a little TLC to prepare for Spring growth. During this time of year, your grass is busily absorbing energy, moisture, and nutrients in preparation for a long, dormant winter. Give it a little attention now, and you’ll reap the reward of a lush, healthy spring lawn using this end-of-season lawn care guide.
Keep Watering and Mowing
Continue to water and mow (as needed) through the fall. It may not be the most popular end-of-season lawn care step. But it is necessary for spring growth.
With each mowing, gradually lower your mower height until your last two cuttings without scalping the lawn. Lowering the grass’s height will allow more sunlight to reach the crown of the grass and less leaf browning in the winter. Be careful not to trim off more than one-third at a time.
Aerate the Soil
This time of year is ideal for soil aeration. A lawn aerator punches holes in the soil and extracts plugs of dirt that allow oxygen, water, and fertilizer to reach the roots. Some homeowners prefer to rent a lawn aerator, or you can hire a lawn care service to do it for you.
Keep Lawn Free of Fallen Leaves
Another end-of-season step is to remove any fallen leaves as they shed. Don’t wait until all the trees are bare to start raking the yard or using a vacuum system. If you do, the leaves become wet from rain and morning dew, stick together, and form a mat that suffocates the grass. It also breeds fungal diseases.
Fertilize for Growth
Fall fertilization is perfect for feeding your lawn. In the fall, the grass leaves may grow slower, but the roots and rhizomes continue to grow quickly. Fall fertilization is an end-of-season lawn care step you don’t want to skip because this application delivers essential nutrients needed for a boost in the spring.
Fix or Fill Balding Areas
Fill in those bald spots with a ready-to-use-grass seed mixture, a quick-starter lawn fertilizer, and organic mulch. Loosen the soil with a garden rake, spread a thick layer of the mixture over the area, lightly compact, and water thoroughly every other day for two weeks.
End-of-Season Lawn Care Help
Lawn care doesn’t have to be a chore. Leave it to the professionals! Nichols Reliable Lawn Care provides end-of-season lawn care and landscaping services in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Springdale, Arkansas. We offer many services and look forward to being your lawn care service.